These rooms are exactly what you need after a long day kicking up powder in Niseko.
Japan’s northern resort area Niseko commands some of the best powder action in the nation. There are four interconnecting resorts, Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri. All the resorts enjoy well-groomed slopes and heavy annual snowfall. Little wonder the area is a powder hound’s dream.
Thinking of taking it on? You’ll need a base that’s close to the lifts to make the most of your days in-resort. Here are a few cool options that’ll do the trick.
Feature image: Black Diamond Lodge
Niseko accommodation: Top places to stay
1. Niseko Grand Hotel
Situated on the foothills of Mount Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hotel is an ideal base for those looking to get to the Annupuri or Moiwa ski fields.
This hotel houses the largest open-air onsen (hot spring baths) in the Niseko-Konbu area, which is split into three sections: male, female and mixed. A “yuami” bathing suit is required inside the mixed pool.
- Closest ski lift: Niseko Annupuri Gondola
- Room types: Western, Japanese, combo Western-Japanese and semi-suite rooms
- Snow facilities: Ski and snowboard rental, ski shuttle from New Chitose Airport in Sapporo available
Go to Niseko Grand Hotel website View coupon code for Niseko Grand Hotel
2. Hilton Niseko Village
From direct access to the lifts and mountain views to a ski valet service and a delicious on-site themed buffet, this 5-star property in the heart of Niseko Village has everything you could need.
When the day is over and you’ve kicked off your snow boots, come back to Hilton Niseko to relax. Choose a spa or onsen to soak tired muscles,, enjoy a range of dining options, or stretch out in the fitness room.
- Closest ski lift: Niseko Gondola
- Room types: King, twin and family guest rooms
- Snow facilities: Ski-in/ski-out, ski valet service, apres ski options
Go to Hilton Niseko Village website View coupon code for Hilton Niseko Village
3. Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei
Take the traditional Japanese ski trip to the next level at Niseko Prince Hotel which has more than 60 rooms with private open-air baths.
After a long day on the slopes, you’ll find everything you need to rejuvenate for your next day’s skiing. Even if you don’t score one of the private onsen rooms, the hotel has public baths and saunas, a foot massage centre and Japanese restaurant for you
- Closest ski lift: Grand Hirafu
- Room types: Japanese and Western rooms
- Snow facilities: Ski locker room
Go to Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei website View coupon code for Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei
4. Northern Resort Annupuri
This 4-star hotel features Western-style rooms and dining options, making it ideal for those who love their creature comforts.
If you decide to take it easy for a day, the hotel has plenty to offer in the way of recreation. Take your pick from the open-air spa, hot spring, sauna, beauty salon or library rooms.
- Closest ski lift: Niseko Annupuri Gondola
- Room types: Twin, doubles, suites and accessible-friendly rooms
- Snow facilities: Ski lockers, equipment rental and laundry facilities
Go to Northern Resort Annupuri website View coupon code for Northern Resort Annupuri
5. Niseko Konbu Onsen Tsuruga Moku-no-sho
Located at the base of Mount Yotei and surrounded by its natural beauty, this charming traditional Japanese inn will enhance your cultural experience as well as being a perfect base for skiing.
Steeped in comfort and inspired by tradition, it boasts warm wooden furniture, modern folding screens, oriental lamps and stunning hot springs. Dine in the hotel’s Japanese restaurant, or for a more intimate meal you can book one of the private dining roo
- Closest ski lift: Niseko Annupuri Gondola
- Room types: Japanese and Western-style rooms, rooms with open-air and hot spring baths
- Snow facilities: Hiking and snow activities available nearby
Go to Niseko Konbu Onsen Tsuruga Moku-no-sho website View coupon code for Niseko Konbu Onsen Tsuruga Moku-no-sho
6. Black Diamond Lodge
Whether you’re a powder junkie or just starting out, Black Diamond Lodge offers affordable accommodation from which you can maximise your skiing experience.
The lodge lies at the base of the Niseko village ski area, and you can book ski-to-your-door accommodation. A range of activities are available, including heli- and snowcat-skiing, and backcountry tours for those wishing to chase tougher runs.
- Closest ski lift: Niseko Gondola
- Room types: Twin rooms and traditional Japanese tatami rooms
- Snow facilities: Heli- and snowcat-skiing and guided tours, free shuttles to other Niseko resorts and onsens, car rental
Go to Black Diamond Lodge website View coupon code for Black Diamond Lodge
7. The Green Leaf Niseko Village
Located at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri, this 200-room hotel boasts enviable ski-in/ski out-access to get you on the slopes as soon as you feel like it.
The complex features a rooftop flex space where you can relax in a gondola cabin or warm up by the fire pit. The space has been positioned to take in wonderful views over Mount Yotei and the Konbu Range.
- Closest ski lift: Niseko Annupuri Gondola
- Room types: King rooms, twin rooms and suites
- Snow facilities: Ski-in/ski-out, equipment rental, ski/snowboard lessons, winter activities, lift pass purchase, free sleds and snow tubes
Go to The Green Leaf Niseko Village website View coupon code for The Green Leaf Niseko Village
Everything you need to know about Niseko
If you’re still in the planning stages of your trip, this overview can help guide you through what time of year to arrive and which resorts are best suited for your travel style and ski/snowboard ability.
Which of these Niseko hotels offer ski-in/ski-out?
| Hotel | Ski-in/Ski out available? |
|---|---|
| Niseko Grand Hotel | No |
| Hilton Niseko Village | Yes |
| Northern Resort Annupuri | No |
| Niseko Konbu Onsen Tsuruga Moku-no-sho | No |
| Black Diamond Lodge | No |
| The Green Leaf Niseko Village | Yes |
Everything you need to know about the Niseko snow season
Fast facts about Niseko
Ski season: Late November until early May. Niseko Village and Niseko Hanazono have a slightly more limited season which opens early December and closes in April. Night ski is available mid-December to mid-March only.
Distance from Sapporo: 105km to Niseko Village
Lift pass costs: All-mountain pass during the main season starts from ¥4,000.
Niseko ski passes
A Niseko United All Mountain Pass is available, which gives you access to all four resorts’ lifts during its validity period.
Prices for this are listed below. All prices quoted are for the 2016-2017 season only and may be subject to change. Longer passes are available for up to 18 days within a 21-day period. A ¥1000 deposit is required when purchasing a lift-pass card.
Niseko in-season All Mountain Pass costs | 10 December 2016–20 March 2017
Different rides are allocated a number of points. For point ticket holders, one gondola ride is four points, one high-speed lift ride is two points and other lifts are one point.
| Validity period | Adult | Child 7–12 years | Child 13–15 years | Senior 60+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 points | ¥4,000 | ¥3,000 | ¥3,600 | ¥3,600 |
| Extra point | ¥370 | ¥290 | ¥340 | ¥340 |
| 8 hours | ¥6,300 | ¥3,800 | ¥4,800 | ¥4,800 |
| 1 day | ¥7,400 | ¥4,500 | ¥5,600 | ¥5,600 |
| 2 days | ¥1,3600 | ¥8,200 | ¥10,200 | ¥10,200 |
| 3 days | ¥19,800 | ¥11,900 | ¥14,900 | ¥14,900 |
| 5 days | ¥32,200 | ¥19,300 | ¥24,200 | ¥24,200 |
| 7 days | ¥44,600 | ¥26,800 | ¥33,500 | ¥33,500 |
| Season pass | ¥115,600 | ¥69,300 | ¥86,700 | ¥86,700 |
Off season all-mountain pass costs
Off-season All Mountain Pass costs | 23 November–9 December 2016 and 21 March–May 7 2017
| Validity period | Adult | Child 7–12 years | Child 13–15 years | Senior 60+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 points | ¥4,000 | ¥3,000 | ¥3,600 | ¥3,600 |
| Extra point | ¥370 | ¥290 | ¥340 | ¥340 |
| 1 day | ¥5,100 | ¥3,100 | ¥3,900 | ¥3,000 |
| 2 days | ¥9,500 | ¥5,700 | ¥7,200 | ¥7,200 |
| 3 days | ¥13,900 | ¥8,300 | ¥10,500 | ¥10,500 |
| 5 days | ¥22,600 | ¥13,500 | ¥17,000 | ¥17,000 |
| 7 days | ¥31,200 | ¥18,700 | ¥23,400 | ¥23,400 |
| 50-hour pass | ¥64,000 |
Resort-specific lift pass costs
Resort-specific lift-pass costs
If you’re only interested in skiing or snowboarding at one particular resort, here is a snapshot of in-season ski-lift passes for adults. Passes for up to four weeks can also be purchased.
| Resort | 5-hour pass | 8-hour pass | 1-day pass | 2-day pass | 3-day pass | Night season pass | Season pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Hirafu | ¥4,200 | ¥4,900 | ¥5,500 | ¥10,000 | ¥14,600 | ¥23,600 | ¥96,000 |
| Hanazono & Grand Hirafu combo* | ¥4,000 | ¥4,700 | ¥5,200 | ¥9,500 | ¥13,900 | ¥23,600 | ¥91,500 |
| Niseko Village | - | - | ¥5,500 | ¥9,900 | ¥14,300 | - | - |
| Annupuri | ¥4,000 | ¥4,600 | ¥5,000 | ¥8,000 | ¥11,800 | ¥2,000 per night | ¥54,600 |
*Prices are for the 2015–2016 season and are pending confirmation for the 2016–2017 season.
Niseko resort comparison guide
Hakuba is home to 11 ski resorts. Each have different terrains, lift numbers and opening hours, which are detailed below.
| Resort | Terrain(beginners/intermediate/advanced) | Trails | Lifts/gondolas | Opening hours (day/night ski) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Hirafu | 30% /38% /32% | 30 | 16 | 8:30am–4:30pm/4:30pm–8:30pm |
| Hanazono (inc Grand Hirafu*) | 22% / 66% / 12% | 9 | 3 | 8:30am–4:30pm |
| Niseko Village | 36% / 32% / 32% | 27 | 8 | 8:30a–-4:30pm / 4:30pm–8:30pm |
| Annupuri | 30% / 50% / 20% | 13 | 5 | 8:30am–4:30pm/4:30pm–8:30pm |
Niseko trail maps
http://www.niseko-village.com/en/downloads/NisekoUnitedTrailmap.pdf (larger image)
Map: Niseko Village
How do I get to Niseko?
The easiest way to get to Niseko is by flying into New Chitose Airport near Sapporo and connecting onto ground transport. Your options include:
- Bus: Buses depart every 30 minutes during peak period from New Chitose Airport and stop at Niseko Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri. The four main bus operators that service this route are Hokkaido Resort Liner, Whiteliner, Donan and Chuo.
- Train: Take the train from the airport to Kutchan. There are no direct trains to Kutchan, so you’ll need to change at Otaru. Once in Kutchan, take a taxi to your accommodation. Buses also operate during peak periods.
- Private transfer, taxi or hire car: These are more expensive options but can be organised at the airport upon arrival.
How do I move between each ski resort?
Grand Hirafu, Annupuri and Niseko Village are connected by a free shuttle bus. This shuttle also travels to the town of Kunchan, which has a train station.
A separate shuttle runs from Grand Hirafu to Hanazono.
